Tick embedded? Remove with a tool like Ticked Off on amazon. Do not use undiluted essential oils on ticks to remove them (they can regurgitate toxins into the skin as they back out). Read more about what not to do here.

Questions you may have about this recipe

Q: Why two Geraniums? I don’t have all the essential oils in this recipe – what can I leave out?

A: Geranium (Bourbon) essential oil is needed for repelling ticks, Geranium (Egyptian), Lemon Eucalyptus (or Citronella) and Patchouli for mosquitoes and other bugs. I don't suggest leaving anything out unless you don't need to repel ticks, then you can omit Geranium (Bourbon) and increase the amount of the other essential oils. You can replace the Patchouli with Texas Cedarwood (Juniperus ashei, Juniperus mexicana).

A: Geranium essential oil used to come from Pelargonium graveolens, but this no longer the case. Many companies still use this Latin name, instead of the correct Pelargonium roseum X asperum. No matter which Latin name is reflected on the bottle, the contents are in fact from Pelargonium roseum X asperum, and you can still use it.

Q: What if my bottle doesn't say which Geranium (Bourbon or Egyptian) it is?

A: You will have to ask the company you got it from which Geranium it is. There is no way to tell which one it is, unless specified, as both have the same Latin name. They come from different countries, and will have different constituents (or same constituents at different levels), so it's good idea to know which country it is from so you can get the right Geranium. Reputable companies will have the country of origin available on their website. Farthing reading: How to Tell if a Company is Worth Buying From and Lea's Opinion on Brands.

Q: Is Geranium really best for ticks?

A: Here is an abstract from PubMed which states: “Some major constituents of these oils, e.g. citronella [Citronella and Lemon Eucalyptus] and geraniol [Geranium] and eugenol [Clove] showed pronounced repelling effects.” Brackets mine for clarity. Another abstract showing effectiveness of Geranium on ticks is here.

Q: Is Lemon Eucalyptus essential oils really better than DEET?

A: According to this PubMed abstract, the 32% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil provided 95% protection vs 40% formulation of DEET which provided 100% protection. Because of the risks of using DEET, I'll go for the 95% protection!

Q: Wait – I thought Lemon Eucalyptus wasn't safe for kids?

A: Lemon Eucalyptus doesn't contain any 1,8-cineole, but contains high amounts of citronellal. It is safe for children.

Q: Which Lemon Eucalyptus is preferred?

A: Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil sourced from China, Australia, and India contain higher amounts of citronellal, making it more effective as a bug repellent. Sourcing from Madagascar will give you a lower amount, and it may not be quite as effective.

Q: Do I have to make 12 ounces? What if I want to make a smaller batch?

Q: Should there be a preservative in this recipe? I don't see any mention of one.

A: I don't use a preservative in this recipe, as I recommend a fresh batch be made each summer. This spray can be used during the 3-ish months of summer, then discarded. I also recommend keeping in your purse, but not leaving in your car, so it is not sitting in high heat for long periods of time. If you wish you try to use this recipe for more than one summer, or leave in the heat, you can add a preservative such as phenoxyethanol at a 1% dilution (6 drops per ounce, or 72 drops for the recipe). I recommend this phenoxyethanol from amazon.

Q: You've taught me that water and oils do not mix. Why are you breaking your rule for this recipe and not recommending an emulsifier?

A: Whenever you add essential oils to water to use as a spray, you want to be sure to shakeshakeshake before applying to the skin. You can also spray this recipe on your clothing, hat, and socks instead. Another option is adding twice as many drops of this polysorbate 20 from amazon as essential oils (or even liquid soap) to help disperse the essential oils into the hydrosols. If you use the recipe as given, that would be 280 drops of polysorbate 20.

A: Yes! In addition, all of the hydrosols (including Peppermint hydrosol) and essential oils are safe for use on children. If you use on children under age 2, spray on the clothing instead of the skin. For more information on essential oil safety with children read: Essential Oils and Children. Apply as often as needed.

Q: Is this recipe safe for use on pets?

A: This recipe is safe for dogs, but I don't recommend using essential oils with cats (read why here). You can use the hydrosols with dogs, or add the essential oils to a carrier oil which includes 5% neem (a natural insect repellent) and apply to the fur. You can use just the hydrosols part of the recipe for your cats. Apply as often as needed.

Q: You recommend a plastic bottle. Shouldn’t I use glass so the essential oils don’t eat away the plastic?

A: Pure essential oils should be stored in glass, but when essential oils are diluted in a recipe like this, you can use plastic (PET plastic is ideal).

Q: What brands do you recommend for this recipe?

A: I personally use several different brands of essential oils with great results (you can find my opinion here. You can use whatever brand you have on hand, as long as the Latin names match 🙂

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